English & Literature Programmes

International Baccalaureate (IB) • Higher Level (HL) & Standard Level (SL)

IB Language & Literature A

Joelle has taught IB Language & Literature since 2021, working with students from leading IB schools like ACS (Independent), ACS (International), SJI, SJI International, Hwa Chong International, SOTA and Canadian International School.

Paper 1

Guided Textual Analysis

• Deconstruct complex multimodal and visual texts (infographics, adverts, cartoons, essays, op-eds).
• Master structural, rhetorical, and stylistic device identification.
• Timed past-year IB exam practice with in-depth annotations and marking rubrics.
• Examine Level 7 student model essays and refine individual thesis construction.

Paper 2

Comparative Essay

• Detailed analysis of school-prescribed literary works (plays, novels, poetry).
• Thematic characterisation, contextual background, and authorial technique comparisons.
• High-scoring quotation banks organized by motif, theme, and structural choices.
• Techniques to balance equal weight between two literary texts under examination pressure.

Individual Oral, TOK & Extended Essay

• Individual Oral (IO): Global issues, textual analysis & oral preparation
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Critical thinking, argumentation & essay guidance
• Extended Essay (EE): Research, academic writing & essay development

Class Size: Strictly 2 to 4 students max. Trial classes available. Inquire for IB Class →

A-Level: General Paper (GP) & Literature

Classes are kept small (maximum 5 students) for individual attention and personalised feedback, with practice tailored to each student’s learning needs. Joelle has taught students from top junior colleges including RI, HCI, VJC and NYJC.

GP Paper 1

Essay

• Content Knowledge: Build knowledge and examples across key local and global issues.
• Essay Planning & Writing: Develop clear arguments, balanced perspectives and well-structured essays with personalised feedback.
• Exam Practice: Practise past-year TYS and school preliminary papers across a range of question types.

GP Paper 2

Comprehension & Application Question

• Reading Comprehension: Master common question types and exam techniques through past-year TYS and preliminary papers.
• Summary Question: Identify, synthesise and express key ideas clearly and concisely.
• Application Question (AQ): Build knowledge of Singapore issues and local case studies; evaluate authors’ claims and their applicability to the Singapore context.

Additional Guidance

Literature, University & Scholarship Guidance

• H2 Literature: Literary analysis and essay writing
• University Applications: Drawing on her own successful UCAS application to Oxford, Joelle guides students in personal statements and university applications; her students have secured places at top local and international universities.
• Scholarship Applications: Drawing on her experience as an MOE Overseas Scholar, Joelle coaches students in application essays and interviews, including PSC scholarship interviews

Inquire for A-Level Class →

Secondary 1 - 4 • O-Level, N-Level & Integrated Programme (IP)

Secondary English, Literature & IP Language Arts

A comprehensive, rigorous curriculum built around the 4 examination papers. Joelle’s background as a former National Junior College (NJC) teacher ensures seamless transition between lower secondary foundations and upper secondary IP / O-Level distinction.

Paper 1: Writing

Editing & Composition

• Editing: Tense shifts, prepositions, articles, subject-verb agreement, and word classes.
• Situational Writing: Speeches, formal letters, email petitions, proposals, and reports.
• Continuous Writing: Descriptive, narrative, personal recount, and expository writing.

Papers 2 & 3

Reading & Listening Comprehension

• Section A: Visual text semiotics, intended target audience, and communicative intent.
• Section B & C: Narrative comprehension, character deduction, factual analysis, and summary.
• Paper 3: Audio listening comprehension across British, American, and local accents.

Paper 4 & DSA

Oral & JC / Poly DSA Mentorship

• Oral Communication: Planned response topical packages & spontaneous interaction.
• DSA Portfolio Coaching: Having interviewed applicants at NJC, Joelle guides students on personal statements and interview simulations for RI, ACS(I), NYJC, NJC, and EAE poly courses.

Options: Paired (2 students) or Micro-group (3-5 students). Inquire for Secondary Class →

Primary English & PSLE

Building a strong foundation in linguistic clarity, creative flair, and examination technique to achieve AL1 in PSLE and gain DSA admission into top secondary schools.

Paper 1: Composition

Creative & Situational Writing

• Story plot development: creating memorable hooks, character depth, climaxes, and resolutions.
• Show-Not-Tell descriptive techniques, idioms, and high-impact vocabulary.
• Situational writing: Task Fulfilment (TF) mastery, tone, formatting, and clear purpose.

Paper 2: Language Use

Grammar, Synthesis & Comprehension

• Grammar MCQ & Vocabulary Cloze precision elimination strategies.
• Synthesis & Transformation rules (reported speech, conditional structures, active/passive).
• Open-ended Comprehension: keyword identification, inference deduction, and factual paraphrase.

Oral & Secondary DSA

Reading Aloud & Stimulus Conversation

• Expressive reading aloud with appropriate cadence, pitch variation, and clear diction.
• Stimulus-Based Conversation (SBC): expanding personal insights with mature viewpoints.
• Guidance for Primary DSA applications to RI, HCI, ACS(I), MGS, SCGS, SST, etc.

Class Size: Strict maximum of 4 students for primary learners. Inquire for Primary Class →